A Shift in Strategy
With the recent slowdown in electric vehicle adoption, hybrids appear poised to play a larger role in the coming years—and Kia seems to agree. According to a report by Australia’s CarSales, the Korean marque is evaluating a plug-in hybrid version of its first pickup truck, the Tasman.
For the uninitiated, the Kia Tasman is a midsize, body-on-frame pickup that is not sold in the U.S. and is unlikely to arrive due to the 25-percent “chicken tax” on imported light trucks. Even so, the model offers a clear indication of what Kia can deliver in the pickup segment—particularly as corporate sibling Hyundai, which sells the outgoing Santa Cruz in the U.S., is reportedly planning to develop a new truck potentially based on the Tasman’s platform, according to CarSales.
The Two Sides of the Plug
A plug-in hybrid powertrain would allow the Tasman to be charged for EV-like operation, including an all-electric driving mode that would be ideal for short trips. However, the setup comes with drawbacks, most notably the additional hardware, which typically results in a higher price tag. Moreover, PHEVs have developed a mixed reputation for long-term reliability compared with simpler, more traditional non–plug-in hybrid systems.
So why would Kia invest in a plug-in pickup truck that remains largely uncharted territory? The report notes that the automaker is targeting the BYD Shark 6, a PHEV pickup that has found strong demand in Australia. In other words, there appears to be a market appetite for this type of vehicle in the region—a crucial factor as Kia looks to ensure the Tasman’s success.
“I would like a plug-in, and I would like an EV,” said Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith. “If I'm being greedy, so be it. But that's what I'd like to help with the success of Tasman.”
Future-Proofing the Tasman
The Australian-spec Tasman is currently powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four diesel producing 207 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. A hybridized powertrain is reportedly slated to arrive around 2027 or 2028, coinciding with a planned mid-cycle facelift. Should the Tasman gain plug-in capability, it would enter a limited field of PHEV pickup trucks, joining models such as the Ford Ranger PHEV, which isn't coming stateside. Jeep was supposed to introduce the 4xe plug-in powertrain to the Gladiator, but to no avail.
While the U.S. market is unlikely to see this development, Kia will continue to focus on core models such as the Sorento and the next-gen Telluride.
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